A nurse is evaluating a patient with HIV who takes zidovudine (AZT) for possible treatment with epoetin alfa. The nurse notices that the laboratory report shows endogenous erythropoietin levels of 550 milliunits/mL
To keep the treatment optimal and at a therapeutic level, what would be the most appropriate nursing action? a. Administer the epoetin alfa as ordered.
b. Contact the prescriber to determine whether the dosage should be reduced.
c. Contact the prescriber to see whether the dosage should be increased.
d. Confer with the prescriber to see whether the order should be discontinued.
A
If endogenous levels of erythropoietin are at or above 500 milliunits/mL, raising them further with epoetin alfa is unlikely to help so the nurse needs to discuss the lab result and what the lo-wered dose should be with the prescriber.
The patient's erythropoietin level is too high so the nurse needs to discuss what dose would be best with the prescriber before giving more erythropoietin.
This is incorrect since the lab result is too high so the patient needs a lower dose of erythropoie-tin.
Since anemia is a side effect of Zidovudine, it is likely he will need some dose of erythropoietin to maintain hemoglobin levels. Treatment with erythropoietin can maintain or elevate erythrocyte counts and reduce the need for transfusions.
You might also like to view...
What is represented in a document entitled Fourteen Specific Steps to Successful Intravenous Catheterization at Hospital XYZ?
A) Philosophy B) Mission statement C) Policy D) Procedure
A male patient in his 20s has presented to a free clinic with signs and symptoms that are highly suggestive of viral conjunctivitis
The nurse is aware of the relationship that can exist between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral conjunctivitis. What assessment question is most likely to be clinically relevant? A) "Have you ever been tested for HIV?" B) "Have you ever been diagnosed with herpes simplex virus (HSV)?" C) "Have you ever had genital warts?" D) "Have you ever been diagnosed with hepatitis?"
A 62-year-old man is to receive lidocaine as
treatment for a symptomatic dysrhythmia. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that he has a history of alcoholism and has late-stage liver failure. The nurse will expect which adjustments to his drug therapy? a. The dosage will be reduced by 50%. b. A diuretic will be added to the lidocaine. c. The lidocaine will be changed to an oral dosage form. d. An increased dosage of lidocaine will be prescribed so as to obtain adequate blood levels.
A teen has been diagnosed with pathologic phimosis. The teen may experience:
1. Dysuria. 2. Polyuria. 3. Bleeding while urinating. 4. The inability to urinate.